Meet The Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2017

Michael Gilligan

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Hometown: Cary, NC

Undergraduate School and Major: North Carolina State University (B.S. Economics, B.S. Political Science)

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Deloitte Consulting, Technology Strategy & Architecture (Analyst, Consultant, and Senior Consultant)

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Start studying as early as possible! Create a study schedule and stick to it. However, do not let the GMAT take over your life. Your long term personal and professional brand will be measured by way more than a standardized test score.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? Create a set of school selection criteria that is important for your personal and professional development (e.g., faculty teaching style, largest employers, alumni network, location, etc.). Once you narrow down your target list, visit as many schools in person as possible to see if it is a good fit for you. This can be a very time-intensive process, so I would start this process at least a year before you apply.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Do not rush this process. This is a sizeable personal and financial investment, so it is better to apply in the year and round when you are ready and when your application is the strongest.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Interacting with Dean Kesner, current students, and alumni during the “Admitted Students Weekend.”

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? As much international business experience as possible, friendships that will last a lifetime, and the core business and professional skills needed to propel my career forward.